Graphing in Behavior Analysis

Graphing in Behavior Analysis

Importance of Graphing

• Graphing is a crucial skill for behavior analysts.
• It's used in both research and clinical settings.
• Decisions are based on visual analysis of graphs.
• Graphing is applied across various programs:
  • Skill acquisition
  • Reduction of aberrant behavior
• Supervisors often require graphing on a daily session basis.

Graphing Programs

• Various graphing programs exist:
  • Tablet programs (phones, iPads)
  • Excel (common, but not the speaker's expertise)
  • Prisma
  • GraphPad
  • Sigma Plot (used by the speaker)
• Costs vary; program choice depends on the company's preferences.
• Programs differ in rules and setup.

Graphing Basics

• Clearly label conditions on top of the graph.
• Include baseline data (potentially shorter than research baselines).
• Label intervention conditions and any changes (e.g., teaching action procedure vs. behavioral skills training).
• Graphs may be used in professional meetings (IEP, insurance reports).
• Graphs should be clear for outside observers (parents, etc.).
• Data should